Dust storm turns Sydney sky red

23 Sep 2009, 9:05 am   -   Source: AAP
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Sydney and large parts of NSW have been shrouded in red dust blown in from the state's west by strong winds.

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Sydneysiders have woken to a massive dust storm that blanketed the city in thick red dust, causing severe delays at Sydney airport and prompting warnings from health authorities.

* Dust blankets Sydney and much of NSW
* Storm-force and gale-force winds expected today
* Flights to and from Sydney airport diverted
* Sydney Ferry services suspended
* Health alert for people with respiratory conditions

Severe winds are lashing the city, whipping up a bright orange haze over much of the state and forcing asthma sufferers and people suffering respiratory illnesses indoors.

Paramedics have reported a spike in calls for people suffering breathing difficulties and traffic authorities have warned motorists to take care after police reported "high risk" behaviour on Sydney roads.

A blanket of red dust began to shroud Sydney just before dawn after a cold front moved in from central Australia and western NSW.

It came as the state was experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures and followed reports of visibility reduced to just 10 metres in Broken Hill.

Flights delayed

A Sydney airport spokesman said 10 inbound international Sydney flights had been diverted to Melbourne and Brisbane this morning.

"They may get back later in the day," he told Macquarie Radio. "We've got departures, they are occurring, but it's slow."

Departing domestic flights were delayed by between 30 and 60 minutes, he said.

"People should check with their airline, they're going to need to be patient today."

Two international flights and one domestic flight had managed to land on Wednesday morning.

A combination of strong cross winds and low visibility would lead to flight delays throughout the day.

"Departure and arrivals delays will be experienced at both Sydney's domestic and international airports," the spokesman said.

"It's going to depend on how the visibility and the wind goes today."

Warnings for people with asthma

The NSW Ambulance Service issued a warning to people suffering from asthma or other respiratory illnesses to stay inside where possible and carry all medication.

"We have already seen an increase in calls to people suffering from asthma and other respiratory problems," the Ambulance Service said in a statement.

"People with asthma in particular need to be aware of early warning signs especially if their condition does not respond to their usual medication.

"If your asthma does not respond quickly to your normal medication call 000 to get help immediately."

Police have urged motorists to slow down and put their lights on due to the extreme dust levels.

"Police are especially concerned that drivers are continuing to travel at dangerous speeds," a NSW police statement said.

South West Region Traffic Coordinator Senior Sergeant John Kane said he was concerned that drivers seemed oblivious to the reduced visibility caused by the dust.

"Drivers are continuing to drive at speeds which are high-risk in these conditions," he said.

Ferry rides cancelled

Sydney Ferries has cancelled services on the harbour and express buses are running between Manly and the city.

Ferries Sydney's normally bustling Circular Quay was eerily quiet this morning, except for dozens of amateur photographers tyring to record the rare event.

Audio beacons could also be heard ringing out across the harbour in a bid to prevent any maritime accidents in the poor visibility.

High fire danger

The dust is expected to settle in the afternoon as the winds ease, with a forecast maximum temperature of 22 degrees and a high fire danger.

The State Emergency Service says it has received 175 requests for assistance across the state following reports of strong winds.

Hails stones 'as big as cricket balls'

Hail stones as big as cricket balls hit the town of Crookwell near Goulburn, damaging windows and tiles, but there have been few reports of damage in Sydney.

Bureau of Meteorology spokeswoman Jane Golding said dust had settled on much of the state and visibility was poor. "It's pretty widespread," she told ABC Radio.

"We've had reports of low visibility up out as far up as Moree, Dubbo, Canberra's got some raised dust in the area and Wollongong, so it's very widespread."

Ms Golding said the weather system was moving in from the west and Sydney could expect dusty conditions throughout the morning. The barometric pressure had dropped significantly, she said.

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Your Comments

death near and near

rahul pundir - from delhi , 3 years ago

this is the most important ex which show us that we are just a minute particle for the nature

Its here too.

Summer - from Chermside, Brisbane, 3 years ago

The dust is here in Brisbane as well...  and its also heading up near the Sunshine Coast... Pretty creepy.

Blowin in The Wind

Dave Evans - from Gold Coast, 3 years ago

We have the world's biggest uranium mine just west of Sydney.. this dust would be highly radioactive. There is a documentary called All That Glitters is not Gold by David Bradbury available on Google Videos that is very informative about this issue.

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